Relative clauses /ገጣጥሞ ማዉራት እና መፃፍ

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on understanding and using relative clauses effectively. Relative clauses add detail and complexity to sentences, allowing you to provide more information about a subject or object. This guide will help you grasp the concept of relative clauses, their structure, and how to use them in your writing.

Step 1: Understanding Relative Clauses

• A relative clause is a group of words that describes a noun.
• It usually starts with a relative pronoun, such as "who," "which," "that," or "whom."
• These clauses can specify which person or thing you are talking about or provide additional information.

Examples:

• "The man who called you is waiting outside."
• "I read the book that you recommended."

Step 2: Identifying the Components of Relative Clauses

• Relative Pronouns: Identify the pronouns that initiate the clause:

  • "who" for people
  • "which" for things
  • "that" for both people and things
  • "whom" for the object of a verb or preposition

• Main Clause: The part of the sentence that can stand alone.

• Relative Clause: The part that provides additional information.

Example Breakdown:

• In "The car that I bought is red,"
  • Main clause: "The car is red."
  • Relative clause: "that I bought."

Step 3: Types of Relative Clauses

• Defining Relative Clauses: These clauses provide essential information about the noun.

  • Example: "The student who studies hard will pass."

• Non-defining Relative Clauses: These clauses add extra information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are separated by commas.

  • Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting."

Step 4: Combining Sentences Using Relative Clauses

• You can combine two sentences into one using a relative clause to make your writing more fluid.

Example:

• Separate sentences: "I saw the movie. It was amazing."
• Combined: "I saw the movie that was amazing."

Step 5: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid using "that" with non-defining clauses; use "which" instead.
• Ensure that the relative pronoun correctly corresponds to the noun it describes.
• Be cautious with punctuation; non-defining clauses require commas.

Conclusion

Relative clauses are a powerful tool for enhancing your sentences by adding detail and clarity. By understanding their structure and usage, you can improve your writing significantly. Practice combining sentences and identifying relative clauses in your writing. As you become more comfortable, experiment with both defining and non-defining clauses to enrich your communication.